Squamata suborder
Sauria
Sceloporus undulatus -- Eastern Fence Lizard
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Purple shade indicates vouchered specimens. Light blue (cyan)
shade indicates photographic records. Yellow shade indicates verified
sighting. Slanted hatch indicates pre-1980 records only
NOTE: Not all specimens upon which these maps are based have been verified.
Key Characters: Rough, spiny scales; dark, wavy, transverse bands on the back.
Similar Species: A distinctive species not easily confused.
Subspecies: Northern fence lizard, S. u. hyacinthinus.
Description: A medium-sized (up to 19 cm TL), stout lizard with gray to brown back sporting 5 to 8 dark bands. Belly white with varying amounts of blue or greenish blue along ventral edges. Blue patch on throat. The colored areas on the throat and sides of body are more brilliant in breeding males.
Habitat: Rocky, wooded areas, dry hillsides, and sunny, open woodlots.
Natural History: Mating occurs in April or May. Five to 15 eggs are laid in soil and rotting logs and under surface debris in June, July, or early August. Hatchlings (ca. 4 to 5 cm TL) are usually first seen in late August. The main food items are insects, but other invertebrates are also eaten. Predators include snakes and birds.
Status: Locally abundant, especially in the southern third of the state.